Uganda: concern about Mpox outbreak in Kyotera District

In Uganda, there is growing concern about a Mpox outbreak in Kyotera District, which has infected 17 people and killed two. Health officials say the outbreak has been severe in areas with high concentrations of sex workers, including Mutukula, Kakuuto, and Kyotera Town Council. Most reported cases have come from these high-risk communities. Dr Emmanuel Ssekyeru, director of Kalisizo Hospital, said that his structure is struggling to cope with the outbreak due to limited resources. 14 Mpox patients have been admitted to Kalisizo, while three have been treated in Kakuuto Hospital. According to Ssekyeru, the key problem is proper patient management, with infected persons leaving the hospital before having fully recovered and helping to spread the disease in the community.
Dr Joseph Giriman, the head of epidemic surveillance in the district, said that public awareness about the disease remains low and hampers containment efforts. Fuel shortages and other logistical issues are also making it difficult for health workers to reach the most remote villages affected by the outbreak. Kyotera Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Apollo Mugume urged residents to take precautions and observe proper hygiene when using public transport. At the same time, Dorah Nayiga, the district’s women’s leader, asked women to avoid engaging in commercial sex work and prioritize their health and family stability. On their part, residents called on the government to intensify public health education efforts and provide adequate treatment options in hospitals.